The City of Rochester is suing the Little Italy Neighborhood Association for more than $9,000. The suit claims the group failed to pay $5,000 it owes for crowd and traffic control. The city is also asking for a refund of $4,000 it provided to help produce the festival.

13WHAM spoke with Little Italy Association President Silvano Orsi Thursday, who called the lawsuit “frivolous” and “merit-less.” He says he’s hoping the city reconsiders and withdraws the lawsuit.